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I agree with Debbie. For "faithful" (read: deluded) Mormons, the man is supposed to "preside" over the household. A wife and husband are supposed to be equal, but perhaps like those of African decent being able to hold the "Priesthood", that might be more of a reflection of changes in society than any revelation from some higher being. The actual way it is phrased in the Temple (paraphrased by me) is like, "[Husband], you will take your revelation from God, and [Wife] you will take your revelation from the husband."

Also, even though the Mormon church does not practice polygamy in this life, it is allowed in the mythological next life. In other words, women get one husband and a lot of "sisters" with whom they share a husband, if they all make it to the Celestial Kingdom (by obeying laws learned in the Temple). Summarized in one sentence: It's a whole lot of sexist rubbish.

Yes, there are tons (literally) of Jensen's in the LDS Church. My father's parents were converted in Denmark and came to this country early in the 1900's. A great many Danes were attracted to the possibility of free (or cheap) passage to the US. In the middle of the 19th century Denmark had a great deal of rural poverty, which made the US an attraction. Jensen is the most common name in Denmark -- It's like Smith in the US. It means son of Jens (danish for John), so its the Danish equivalent of Johnson. There are eight columns of Jensen's in the Salt Lake Phone book. Best to you and your wife and your long marriage.

Thanks, Al, I'll try that Google idea. I didn't know how Smith died. That's very interesting! At present, Mormons can become Masons. Brigham Young was a Mason as were many Mormon leaders of his day, or so I'm told. I have heard that Masonic symbols and rituals were carried over to the Mormon church service. I have wondered about this for years, just never looked into it until now. I am in NW Arkansas and surrounded by my wife's family... Her Mom, 2 sisters, 2 Brothers-in-law and 6 kids, all Mormons and all within a mile of our house. They don't bug me and I leave them alone as well. My wife has yet to join them, but you never know. At present she is a Baptised Xtian but not active. She doesn't give me any grief whatsoever about my Atheism. She is a great person. Married 40 years last Feb.

Larry, Joseph Smith is reported to have made the Masonic distress signal (whatever that is) before he fell from the window of the Carthage Illinois jail after being shot in 1844 (he died of course).
Many of the Mormon temple rituals are said to echo Masonic ritual (including wearing an apron). Some of the symbols carved into the Granite of the Salt Lake City temple are purported to be masonic symbols. If you Google mormon temple rituals or mormonism, masonic ritual, I'm sure you'll find a wealth of gossip and perhaps some factual information. I was told when I was a child that a Mormon could not become a Mason and vice versa, but I'm not sure this is currently true. Keep searching. Where are you that you are surrounded by Mormons?

Larry,
I do want to say that in religious fundamentalism, you will likely see the same thing, it isn't unique to mormonism. Most of the people I know/knew, the women were highly respected. Their roles are in my opinion bronze aged, but all the women I knew were very happy in their marriage. When you are raised to be a "good mormon wife", the things that a truly independent woman might resent simply do not register.

I am what some people might call a male feminist. I abhor the church's role in lobbying against the ERA movement, I also was appalled at the push from Utah with regards to Prop 8. The church would be fine if they didn't try to stick their nose into other peoples lives and bedrooms.